THE SCHOOL OF CHOICE For boys and girls aged 2-11
HEADTEACHERS WELCOME At Buxlow Preparatory School we aim to prepare all our children for the future and the many challenges that this will bring. We offer a stimulating and exciting curriculum in well-resourced classrooms. Lessons are taught in small class groups and delivered by highly skilled teachers, who have the direct responsibility for the teaching and learning of all children in their care. Teaching is creative and imaginative, and we set high academic expectations for all our pupils, not-withstanding that we are academically non-selective. All our children are encouraged to take risks and to be confident and independent learners. We want our children to engage enthusiastically with knowledge and to embrace new ideas and to be intellectually stimulated and extended beyond their age. At Buxlow we believe in working closely with all parents to ensure that we create a warm and friendly environment for our children to flourish as life-long learners. We are also minded to developing the whole-child and we encourage all our children to develop key values, such as honesty, integrity, respect and tolerance for the views of others. Together we celebrate our individuality and our differences, and we look for the uniqueness in every child. Co-educational learning at Buxlow is tried, true and successful. Co-education is a natural, normal and healthy learning environment and, at Buxlow girls and boys work and learn together just as they will in their adult lives, they are provided with a great advantage in their preparation for their future.
Mr D May Headteacher
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OUR VISION AND MISSION Our vision is to become the preparatory school of choice in North West London for families who seek an engaging, co-educational, family-friendly learning environment that fully prepares pupils for life and their next stage of education. To encourage, challenge and support every member of the school community to develop the pursuit of personal excellence, resilience, responsibility and empathy, to be ready for the world of tomorrow.
Lining up in the playground, saying good morning and good evening to teachers and headmaster – it’s so great to see a respectful atmosphere which works both ways. Our kids are very happy and doing well academically. We are pleased with our choice. - Year 4 Parent
EARLY YEARS NURSERY & RECEPTION At Buxlow we pride ourselves on the pastoral care we provide throughout the school, stemming from our Early Years Department. For our children aged 2-5 years, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, set out by the Department for Education. The environment is friendly, stimulating and nurturing and offers a dynamic time-tabled curriculum which includes; French, ICT, Dance, Music and Physical Education, plus daily lessons in maths, literacy and pre-reading. Buxlow is a calm, nurturing, stimulating, education based setting. We ensure the children are engaged in their learning and are provided with appropriate resources and opportunities to become active, independent learners. Our nursery provision is available for 51 weeks of the year, with a variety of different sessions. The children enjoy a range of activities to support them in reaching their potential through curriculum based learning that promotes independence from a young age. Children can join our Nursery when they are 2 years old and age appropriate children are given first consideration for our sought after Reception places.
Key findings from the ISI Inspection Report February 2019: Children in the EYFS develop excellent communication skills Independence in decision making is evident There are many academic challenges with practical activities
WHY CHOOSE OUR EARLY YEARS PROVISION? From the day they start with us we will support your child in every aspect of their learning journey, to strive for learning excellence and enjoyment. Staff support the children in accessing all areas of the curriculum in an open and free-flow outdoor learning space. This also makes transitions within the unit seamless and stress free. We offer a tried and tested ‘settling in’ process for all of our new joiners so that they feel safe and secure in their new environment from day one. Each new pupil is allocated a key person when they join the Nursery who will develop a genuine bond with them. This key person will play an important role in helping the child to settle and to navigate social interactions and routines.
TRANSITION From a child’s perspective, the transition from Nursery to Reception is a seamless one. Our Reception class provides a continuation of our excellent Early Years Provision, where the dynamic curriculum is further enriched by subject specialist teaching in French, Computer Science, Music and Physical Education, which run in parallel with the expert teaching delivered by our Reception teacher.
In such a short time we have seen our son excel. He loves coming into nursery every day and tells me all about what he has learnt. He is never short of words and always talks about his friends and teachers with a big smile. - Nursery Parent 5
EYFS VALUES The early years of a child’s life are key to predicting ultimate success in school and life. At this stage children are constantly learning and most of their learning is acquired through play. Play is the foundation for learning all aspects of children’s development. Through play and the development of the brain in cognition and learning, and with further scaffolding from adults, children develop language skills, their emotions, creativity, social and intellectual skills. At Buxlow we aim to provide children with the best start in life and to develop in them an enthusiasm for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. At Buxlow, children are given the opportunity to be creative through all areas of learning. We support children’s metacognitive skills and help them make connections by offering encouragement, clarifying ideas and asking open ended questions. In addition to the wide variety of self-chosen activities, there is a balance of focused teaching sessions both in whole-class and small-group settings. Each child has free access to both the inside and outside environment. When children have opportunities to explore ideas in different situations and with a variety of resources, they discover connections and come to a new and better understanding and ways of doing things. Adult support in this process enhances their ability to think critically and ask questions.
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Most EYFS pupils make rapid progress because of the nurturing and sensitive teaching, which meets their individual needs. - ISI Inspection Report February 2019 7
LOWER SCHOOL At Buxlow Prep, we use the National Curriculum as a basis for programmes of study in Years 1 and 2. We focus on key learning in English and Mathematics to ensure that all children have the knowledge and skills to become proficient in reading, writing and mathematics. As the children move into Year 1, a more formal style of learning is introduced. There is a focus on subject based learning that includes cross-curricular activities and the children are encouraged to be increasingly independent. Numeracy and literacy skills form the bedrock of our teaching as it is through these areas that the children can then access the broad and wide ranging curriculum on offer. The children will also study Science, History, Geography, RE and PSHE and they continue to benefit from subject specialist teaching in Music, Computer Science, Physical Education and French. The children are assessed daily by the class teacher to check their understanding and knowledge of a topic. The curriculum has a thematic approach and where possible, cross curricular links are made to motivate the children and promote creativity. We also ensure that children gain experiences of the curriculum outside the classroom through off site visits or workshops. We promote high levels of achievement and effort and encourage pupils to take pride and a greater responsibility in their work. As the year progresses the children’s sense of pleasure in their self-motivated achievements grows, laying a solid foundation for future study habits.
We are very delighted with the progress that our son has made at Buxlow. He is enthusiastic every morning due to the great teaching team and a nurturing feel in the classroom. - Year 2 Parent 9
UPPER SCHOOL As pupils enter the Upper School, pupils are encouraged to be more independent learners and they are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their work routines. Our aim is to enrich the children’s learning and broaden their horizons as critical-thinkers. In the Upper School we continue to build on the knowledge and skills learnt in Year 1 and 2. The ‘themed’ learning approach continues within subjects such as English, Maths, Science, History, Geography and Art and Design. In Modern Foreign Languages the children learn French from Years 3 to 6. The children continue to experience a varied and stimulating curriculum. Within a supporting and nurturing environment, we enable every pupil to reach their potential. Assessment occurs daily by the class teacher to check their understanding and knowledge of a topic. We also focus on independent thinking skills through verbal and non-verbal reasoning. We take the learning beyond school through educational visits. Through motivational teaching and attention to every child’s needs our pupils experience an inspiring learning journey. In Years 5 and 6 pupils achieve a deeper understanding of all National Curriculum subjects. The varied and rich curriculum is demanding, coupled with high expectations that allows pupils to achieve academic success reflecting their own abilities. Children are encouraged to develop good organisational skills for transition to senior school and they also develop many leadership qualities through being given roles that carry responsibilities around the school such as Head Boy, Head Girl, House Captains, Sports Captain and Prefects.
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I really enjoy learning at Buxlow as there are small classes, so the teachers can quickly see where the pupil requires help. - Year 6 Pupil 11 9
Buxlow is a child friendly school. It has helped to build my confidence in many ways. - Year 5 Pupil
PASTORAL CARE Our aim is to establish a nurturing environment and an atmosphere where children feel valued and can thrive both emotionally and academically. Buxlow Prep children are happy children. We celebrate achievement in our weekly star of the week and house points assembly. We ensure that children are awarded for behaviour and achievement throughout their time at Buxlow Prep. Teachers and support staff provide guidance and support through the teaching curriculum and relationships throughout the school between staff and students are excellent. Staff always promote excellent behaviour and pupils are encouraged to speak to any member of staff about their concerns. In the upper school, children are given roles as prefects and we have a named Head Boy and Head Girl and deputies, as well as House Captains for each of the four houses and a Sports Captain. This instils a sense of pride in the pupils and the message that is given is that leadership comes with responsibility. Each House Captain leads the regular House meetings which also provides buddy partners within houses to promote inter house support. Pupils also elect a class member to become a part of the School Council which enables pupils to act as a conduit of communication between the leadership team and pupil body.
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As parents, we really like the caring and inclusive atmosphere of the school. The school strongly values the development of social as well as academic skills. - Year 1 Parent 13
SPORTS From an early age, children are encouraged to develop co-ordination. Pupils enjoy a wide range of sporting activities throughout the academic year including: Athletics, Cricket, Dance, Football, Gymnastics, Health and Fitness, Hockey, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, Rugby, Rounders and Swimming. Physical Education is taught by a specialist PE teacher, supported by members of school staff. At Buxlow Prep, we consider swimming to be a vital life skill as well as a sport. During swimming lessons, the children are taught water safety and survival skills as well as developing their stroke technique and stamina, each child is given an award at the end of their swimming time, which allows for progression as well as achievement. The annual school Sports Day, inter-house and inter-school fixtures foster the sense of team spirit so valued by the school.
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The school’s leadership encourages pupils to develop their talents in a range of creative musical and sporting activities by making available a suitable extra-curricular programme. - ISI Inspection Report February 2019 15
MUSIC Our students experience wonderful music lessons where singing, listening, musical composition, percussion, rhythm and pitch are part of the curriculum. The emphasis we place on music is in keeping with our aim to educate the whole child, allowing those with musical talent to explore and progress within the subject. Pupils have many opportunities to perform each year: from our much-anticipated Spring Concert to school celebrations such as our Harvest Festival, Carol Service and Prizegiving. In addition to timetabled Music lessons, children are able to participate in lessons for a range of musical instruments, including voice. Lessons take place both before school and at break times so as not to miss valuable teaching time. An examiner from the ABRSM visits the school once a year and all the children are prepared for, and given the opportunity to sit, a graded exam. Children in Year 6 regularly achieve Grade 5, which for most senior schools is the required standard to be considered for a music scholarship.
MUSIC LESSONS
• Performance
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Trombone, Trumpet
• Brass
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Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Piano, Harp
• String
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Clarinet, Flute
• Woodwind
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Recorder (four types)
• Voice
GROUPS The school also has a school orchestra, flute choir, clarinet, brass, guitar and recorder group. The latter consists of sopranino, descant, treble and tenor recorder.
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CHOIR We boast five school choirs, entry to which is by audition only. The junior choir sing in unison with simple piano or instrumental accompaniments. As the children work their way up the choirs, they learn to sing in parts with more complex accompaniments. By the time they are in Cantabile they will be able to sing acapella in a range of harmonies. Several of our children are members of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain or the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, and we have also had success gaining entry to the Chapel Royal Choir.
The list of choirs is as follows: •
Junior Choir
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Senior Choir
• Cantabile
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Chamber Choir
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Vivaldi Voices
Our pupils demonstrate well developed musical skills throughout the school. - Headteacher
Buxlow is my school of choice for its small classes and individual care for each pupil at their own level. The level of music teaching at the school is unparalleled at primary level. The support given for senior school applications was excellent. - Year 6 Parent 15
The teachers are lovely and kind and make me feel happy. - Year 3 Pupil
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The curriculum at Buxlow Prep is enriched by a wealth of creative and sporting activities which take place at break times and after school. Some examples include: • Computing
• Drama
• Violin
• French
• Drawing
• Gardening
• Multi Sports
• Choir
• Chess
• Guitar
• 11+ Prep
• Art
• Flute
• Construction
Our co-curricular clubs and activities are continually evolving. Children are actively encouraged to join these programmes which run both during lunchtime and after-school.
WRAP AROUND CARE Buxlow operates a wraparound care service from 8am to 6pm every day, providing a good value and convenient option for working parents. This starts with early club in the morning and continues after school with afterschool care and extra-curricular clubs. Teacher led extra-curricular clubs run from 3.45pm to 4.45pm. After School Care runs from 3:30pm to 6pm where children are provided with a healthy early evening snack and enjoyable activities.
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SENIOR SCHOOL PREPARATION Our parents are kept well informed of the process of selecting a senior school with a ‘Next Steps Meeting’ when their children are in Year 5. A meeting with the Head, Mr. May takes place for Year 5 parents so that choices of senior schools can be discussed, and expectations made clear early on. Parents are encouraged and supported throughout the process with regular contact from our Headteacher and Year 6 teacher to choose the right school for their child. During the Spring Term in Year 5, the children are introduced to 11+ preparation in the form of weekly preparation sessions, involving practice papers and guidance to improve examination technique. The children become familiar with the style and expectations of the papers and these are embedded into their weekly learning, with any marks and general feedback going home to parents. Interview preparations also begin, with the children seen by the Headteacher and Year 6 teacher. LAMDA lessons also support this practice. As a result of this gradual yet thorough preparation, our pupils go into their exams confident and self-assured and our senior school successes speak for themselves. At Buxlow, we have children with a broad range of academic ability. Year after year, pupils move on to some of the most highly selective senior schools in the country, including, but not exclusively; Aldenham School, City of London School, City of London School for Girls, Channing School, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, , Merchant Taylors’ School, Mill Hill School, North London Collegiate School, St. Helen’s School and Westminster School.
Pupils achieve excellent results in competitive examinations to senior schools and are usually successful in gaining places at the school of their choice. - ISI Inspection Report February 2019
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Come and visit Buxlow Preparatory School
5/6 Castleton Gardens, Wembley, HA9 7QJ Tel: 020 8904 3615 | Email: admin@buxlowschool.org.uk www.buxlowschool.org.uk @buxlowschool |
@buxlowschool